The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community

Demolition of Oxford Street M&S Store Approved

Demolition of Oxford Street M&S Store Approved
09 December 2024
 

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has approved the controversial scheme to demolish M&S’ flagship Oxford Street store, much to the disappointment of heritage groups.

Three buildings at the 1930s department store will be demolished to construct a 2-basement, ground plus 9 storey mixed-use development under plans by Pilbrow & Partners. This includes a public arcade with a new east-west link between Orchard Street and Granville Place, as well as offices on the upper floors of the building.

This is the latest in an ongoing saga which started in 2021 when M&S was granted planning permission to replace the building with a 10-storey block of offices and a public arcade.

After pressure from groups such as SAVE Britain’s Heritage to protect the building and instead retrofit the current site, a full public inquiry was ordered in June 2022, running for two weeks in October and November 2022.

On 20 July 2023, Secretary of State Michael Gove published his decision to refuse the demolition of the building – on the grounds of sustainability and heritage issues. In November 2023, M&S appealed the decision and Gove’s plans to overturn the demolition were rejected.

 

Why Do Heritage Groups Oppose the Plans?

 

The SAVE Britain’s Heritage campaign says that the carbon impact of the M&S building demolition far outweighs any benefits. Embodied emissions from the demolition and construction of buildings equate to 40 to 50 million tonnes of CO2 per year, more than emissions from aviation and shipping combined. There is no national policy on embodied carbon emissions from buildings, and the SAVE campaign wants reform in this area.

The campaign points to other successful nearby retrofits such as TK Maxx, which has opened a second Oxford Street store at Mount Royal, leased by Great Portland Estates.

Henrietta Billings, Director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said: “These are big numbers that can be tackled. Rethinking our wasteful knock-it-down-and-start-again approach to development and re-using and updating existing buildings like M&S Oxford Street is a win-win. It’s good for the planet and it’s good for our towns and communities.

"No-one is suggesting these buildings are pickled in aspic – it’s a pro-growth approach. Restored and transformed buildings have turbo-charged regeneration all over the country, everywhere from Tate Modern in London to former department stores in Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh and Gloucester.

"Our campaign has triggered unprecedented media and public interest and has shown – through the support we received from architects, developers and engineers and our joint AJ/SAVE Re:store architectural ideas competition – that there are plenty of creative ideas and appetite. What industry needs now is clear direction from government. That’s why we’re calling today for urgent policy reforms.” 

“The proposed demolition [of the M&S building] and new construction will emit many thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing our impact on climate change. Retrofitting the existing building up to equivalent energy standards would emit considerably less carbon. I therefore urge you to refuse this application.”

Picture: the façade of M&S Oxford Street building. Image Credit: Matthew Andrews

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 09 December 2024

Share



Related Articles

Michael Gove Refuses Planning Permission to Demolish M&S Oxford Street Store

Plans to demolish and rebuild M&S’ flagship Oxford Street store have been refused by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Michael...

 Read Full Article
Plans Granted for M&S Oxford Street Store to be Demolished

Westminster Council has approved plans to demolish the former M&S superstore, amidst a conservation row. The building was assessed for potential protection for...

 Read Full Article
Buro Happold Appointed for Phase One of Barbican Renewal Programme

Buro Happold, alongside Allies and Morrison and Asif Khan Studios, will provide multidisciplinary services for the Barbican Centre’s upgrade. Over the next five...

 Read Full Article
Planning Permission Granted for 1 Undershaft – Skyscraper as Tall as The Shard

Consent has been granted for a new skyscraper that will match the height of The Shard.   Watch the Video   >   The 309.6m AOD...

 Read Full Article
Network Rail Appoints New Architect for Liverpool Street Scheme

The London Liverpool Street station upgrade project has entered a new phase as Network Rail launches a new consultation alongside plans from a new architect. Previous...

 Read Full Article
One of London’s Tallest Residential Towers Gains Planning Approval

A residential mixed-use skyscraper designed by Apt is set to provide 669 homes. Two towers, of 58 and 55 storeys respectively, have been approved by the Old Oak &...

 Read Full Article
New Proposals for Skyscraper as Tall as Shard Submitted

The ongoing saga of the construction of the 1 Undershaft skyscraper continues with updated proposals submitted featuring a comprehensive redesign of the ground...

 Read Full Article
New Scottish National Centre for Retrofit of Traditional Buildings Announced

A new national centre dedicated to championing the retrofit of traditional buildings will be established in Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), using...

 Read Full Article
Atlas Wins Cleaning Contract With the Bank of England

Atlas will provide cleaning and associated services at the UK’s central bank. The contract covers several sites including the Grade 1 Listed headquarters on...

 Read Full Article
Dalkia UK Wins Royal Academy of Arts Contract

Dalkia UK will deliver hard FM services at four properties on behalf of the Royal Academy of Arts. In a three-year contract, Dalkia UK will provide electrical,...

 Read Full Article